Tributes have been paid to the Bishop of Bradwell, Right Reverend John Wraw after he died at his home earlier this week.

Bishop John died in the early hours of July 27, and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014.

Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford, said: “Bishop John was a wonderful servant of the gospel and a fantastic colleague.

“As an archdeacon in Wiltshire he was known to be dependable and creative. As a bishop serving in this great diocese of Chelmsford these qualities blossomed and bore fruit as he helped take forward our diocesan vision for growth and renewal.

“He quickly won the confidence of the clergy and the love of the people he served.”

Bishop John took up his role in the diocese in 2012, and was determined to carry on with his ministry after his diagnosis.

“Many people would have simply retired,” Bishop Stephen added in his tribute.

“Bishop John just got stuck in, teaching the Christian faith, visiting the parishes he served, and refining his understanding of the gospel so that his life now matched his ministry in a way that was humbling and inspiring to experience.

“He not only spoke about the wonderful inclusive hospitality of God’s love, he lived it to the last. I could not have wished for a better colleague. We will miss him hugely.”

Bishop John was born in Hampshire and grew up in Chester before studying law at Lincoln College, in Oxford.

He then trained for ordination at Fitzwilliam College and Ridley Hall in Cambridge, becoming ordained in 1985.

He served in the Hereford and Sheffield dioceses and became the Archdeacon of Wilts in 2004.

In 2009, Bishop John took part in the first leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race from Hull to Rio de Janeiro.

He was later consecrated as a bishop by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Bishop John leaves his wife, Gillian, and four grown-up children.

Arrangements for his funeral are yet to be announced.